
Boole 

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



FRANZ JOSEF I. 



RANZ JOSEF 



FRANZ JOSEF 

at the Ag-e of Eigrhty-Five 






- ■ ". 



FRANZ JOSEF I 

EMPEROR-KING 

A CHARACTER SKETCH 
By 

VICTOR von KUBINYI 



With Twenty-One Photogravures 

and One 

Genealogical Table. 






Copyright, 1917, 
by Victor von Kubinyi. 



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U 23 1317 



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The Dust Has Cried to the God It Worshipped, 

And That God Has Proved 

He Has Not Been Worshipped in Tain. 



The Author 

Desires to Express His Gratitude 

to 

MRS. MARIAN A. WHITE 

(LADY MARIAN) 

for Her 

Courteous Editorial Cooperation 



INTRODUCTION 



We are living in a nervous, restless age: 
in the EPOCH OF UNEXPECTED HAP- 
PENINGS. 

Three years ago who would have 
thought it possible that Europe would be 
dripping of blood in 1917? 

And who knows what other, and, per- 
haps more staggering surprises Divine 
Destiny is keeping in store for human- 
kind? 

Two things, however, seem quite prob- 
able: 

That the time is not far distant when 
every nation of the earth will sorely, very 
sorely, need the sympathy of each 
other: — 

And that these great United States will 
have an important mission to fulfill. 



XV— 



INTRODUCTION 

Let us, therefore, sow the seed of love, 
that which creates mutual understanding. 

Let us try to understand one another, 
for this alone will enable us — next to an 
unflinching faith in Divine Providence — 
to rise to our opportunities, small or large 
as they might prove to be. 

For it does not matter how large or how 
small our task is. The only thing that 
matters is: How shall we be able to best 
perform it? 



-XVI- 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Franz Josef at the Age of Sixty-Five - Frontispiece 

Facing 

Page 

Imperial Palace at Schoenbrunn - - - 22 

Empress Elizabeth as a Bride - - - - 28 

Schloss Posenhofen, 

The Birthplace of Empress Elizabeth - 34 

Franz Josef at the Age of Sixty - 38 v 

Crown Prince Rudolf - - - - - 44 ' 

Crown Princess Rudolf - - - - - 50 

Baroness Marie Vetsera - - - - - 56 

Madame Katrina Schratt - - - - - 60 

Empress Elizabeth on Horseback - - - 64 

Franz Josef's Autographed Picture - - - 66 

The Last Picture of Franz Josef - 68', 

The Last Picture of Empress Elizabeth - - 72 

Archduke Karl Ludwig - - - - - 76 

Archduke Ferdinand and Sophie von Chotek - 78 

Charles I. Emperor-King - - - - - 82 

Empress-Queen Zita - - - - - 86 

Archduke Otto Franz Josef - - - - - 88 

Charles I. as King (Charles IV.) of Hungary - 92 

Group of Hungarian Nobles - - - - - 94 
Genealogical Table - - - - - - 96 



FRANZ JOSEF 



The demise of Franz Josef, the aged 
ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, 
caused much comment. It also gave op- 
portunity for the revival of former gos- 
sip. His name was familiar in America; 
for the unusuallv long period of his reign, 
which extended over sixty-eight years, as 
well as the many sorrows that fell to his 
lot, kept his name constantly before the 
public. Therefore the personality, the 
life and career of Franz Josef, should be 
of interest to the reading public. 

As the author of this book was privi- 
leged to know the Emperor personally, 
that which is here written is not fiction 
but fact. For the writer's father, the late 
Johann von Kubinyi, served Franz Josef 
as one of his chamberlains for nearly 50 
years (1862-1910). During this time, Jo- 
hann von Kubinyi witnessed many inter- 



—21— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



esting events in the career of this royal 
personage. 

The reigning house of Austria-Hun- 
gary, the Habsburgs, is one of the most 
ancient of royal families. Its first known 
ancestor was Everard III, Count of the 
Nordgau (Lower Alsace), who in 898 was 
elevated to the margraviade of Lorraine 
( Lothringen ) . He is also known as Count 
of Habsburg, which name he took upon 
himself from his Castle, Habichtsburg 
("Castle of Vultures"). His descend- 
ants became Kings of Germany, then 
Emperors of the Holy Roman Em- 
pire, Dukes of Austria, Kings of Bohemia 
and Kings of Hungary, as well as masters 
of the principalities of Tyrol, Carinthia 
(Kaernthen), Carniolia (Krajn) and Salz- 
burg. Thus the ruler of the Holy Roman 
Empire extended his reign over Upper 
and Lower Austria, as well as the prov- 
inces of Bohemia, Carinthia, Carniolia, 
Silezia, Moravia (Maehren), Tyrol, Istria, 
Dalmatia, then Hungary and Croatia. 
The full title of the Emperor and King of 
Austria-Hungary would cover a good 
sized printed page. 

In 1866 Prussia declared war on Aus- 
tria, the latter having been defeated at the 



-22- 



rr~ 



i 



L_ 




FRANZ JOSEF 



battle at Koeniggraetz in Bohemia. Then 
the Holy Roman Empire, of which at that 
time Bismarck said, "The Holy Roman 
Empire is neither holy, nor Roman, nor 
rich" ("das heilige roemische Reich: ist 
weder heilig, noch roemisch, noch 
reich"), ceased to exist, and the German 
Empire of today was established, William 
I. then King of Prussia, was proclaimed 
Emperor of Germany. The German 
principalities of Saxony, Bavaria, Baden, 
Hesse, Brunswick, Wuerttemberg and 
their appendages forming the German 
Empire as known today. Why the Habs- 
burgs really called themselves Emperors 
of the Holy Roman Empire is one of the 
many unsolved puzzles of history. But 
having used this title for several centuries 
it became generally recognized. After 
the battle at Koeniggraetz the German 
Empire became a distinctly different unit 
and Austria had, so to speak, to start out 
all anew. The real name of the reigning 
house of Austria-Hungary is Habsburg- 
Lothringen (Habsburg-Lorraine) and not 
Hapsburg. 



—23— 



II 



Franz Josef, the son of Archduke Franz 
Karl and Sophie, Duchess of Bavaria, was 
born on the eighteenth of August, 1830. 
He spent his earlier years, as was usual, 
with the Princes of the house of Habs- 
burg, in training for a military career, lit- 
tle thinking that it would fall to his lot to 
ascend the throne. His uncle, Emperor 
Ferdinand I of Austria, was then occupy- 
ing the throne with all prospects of a long 
reign. Austria at that time was at war 
with Hungary. The latter was fighting 
for independence. Hungary desired to 
be re-established as an independent king- 
dom. It had been founded by Vojk, who 
first occupied Hungary. Vojk embraced 
the Catholic faith, was baptized Stephen, 
and, under the new baptismal title, he as- 
cended the throne of Hungary in 1000. 
Since that time Hungary has been known 



—24— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



as a distinctly independent kingdom. 
Through many adversities this compara- 
tively small country managed to keep up 
its existence and render continental 
Europe many a valuable service by acting 
as a bulwark against the Turks. After 
many ups and downs Hungary joined 
hands with Austria under the reign of 
Maria-Theresia (1740-1782) and got along 
fairly well. The Empress, however, was 
rather inclined to treat Hungary more as 
a province of her Empire than as an inde- 
pendent kingdom, nevertheless the peo- 
ple seemed to acquiesce and they made 
the best of it. But when Maria-Theresia 
was succeeded by her son, Josef II, 
troubles really began. 

Emperor Josef II, an unusually bril- 
liant man of advanced ideas, but with ap- 
parently little respect for the particular 
traditions of the people over whom he 
reigned, was dreaming of a great world 
power, with himself as its head. He 
thought he could build up such a power 
by crushing all and any particular nation- 
al traditions. He wished to amalgamate 
the Hungarian Kingdom entirely, and 
went so far as to forbid the Hungarians 
from using their native language. The 



—25— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



leaders of the Hungarian parliament, 
therefore, adopted the Latin instead of the 
German language. Latin became the 
official language of Hungary until the 
early forties of the past century. This 
accounts for the fact that Hungarian 
nobles until very recently were experts in 
that language. Not satisfied with thus ex- 
citing the ire of the Hungarian nation, 
Josef II began to persecute the Catholics. 
This again aroused the Hungarians, for 
their country had ever been an eminently 
Catholic one. Josef II showed little re- 
gard or respect for Hungary. He rather 
sowed the seed of bitter antagonism 
which steadily developed into hatred. 



— 26- 



Ill 



Thus, when Ferdinand I ascended the 
throne of Austria, and later when he had 
himself crowned as King of Hungary, the 
latter country was aflame with hatred, 
and the despotic ruler discovered he was 
unable to cope with the situation. The 
Austrian Empire in itself, a conglomerate 
of eighteen different nationalities, also 
caused him more difficulties than he 
could contend with, and the uprising of 
Hungary was the last straw! 

On December 2, 1848, Emperor-King 
Ferdinand I summoned the members of 
the royal household to Pressburg (Poz- 
sony), at that time the headquarters of 
nobility, and resigned in favor of his 
nephew, Archduke Franz Josef. The 
young prince of eighteen thus became au- 
tomatically Emperor of Austria, ascended 
the throne as Franz Josef I, and also as- 



—27- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



sumed rule over Hungary. His situation 
was anything but enviable or even en- 
couraging. His accession to the throne 
came as a surprise to him, a surprise he 
did not cherish at all. But the iron rule 
prevailing in the house of Habsburg 
forced him to obey. 

The young, inexperienced ruler found 
himself in the midst of a veritable tur- 
moil. Austria looked upon him as a 
stranger, Hungary considered him an 
usurper, for, according to the Hungarian 
Constitution, no ruler could be recognized 
King of Hungary unless invested with the 
crown of St. Stephen at Of en (Buda). 
Almost his first act as uncrowned King of 
Hungary was the execution of thirteen 
Hungarian nobles accused of rebellion. 
Austria secured the assistance of Russia, 
and, with the help of a strong Russian 
army under the command of General 
Pashkiewitsch, Hungary was defeated 
and made a province of the Austrian Em- 
pire. It should be said in justice to the 
deceased ruler, that Franz Josef, at that 
time, was but a helpless tool in the hands 
of those who either did not know better 
or else had no feelings nor compassion 
for the oppressed Hungarian nation. At 






EMPRESS ELIZABETH 

as a Bride 






FRANZ JOSEF 



any rate, the fact remains, that the execu- 
tion of the leaders of the Hungarian revo- 
lution acted as a match dropped into a 
powder magazine. It took much pa- 
tience, an undaunted courage, and great 
diplomacy on the part of Franz Josef to 
appease the hatred of Hungary. And he 
proved himself equal to the emergency, 
for as soon as opportunity presented it- 
self he resolved to right the wrongs. Un- 
fortunately, until his very death, he suf- 
fered greatly from an indiscriminate se- 
lection of counsellors. This misfortune 
together with the fact that he never got 
to know exactly what the grievances of 
the different nationalities under his rule 
were, was the greatest handicap of his 
reign. Franz Deak, Count Julius von 
Andrassy, and Koloman von Tisza, the 
brilliant father of the present Premier of 
Hungary, Count Stephen von Tisza, and 
Baron Geza von Fejervary, for decades 
the Hungarian Minister of War, were the 
only ones who really wanted to, or dared 
to help him sever what can rightly be 
called the Gordian knot. 



— 29— 



IV 



While the young ruler was earnestly 
engaged in an endeavor to right these mat- 
ters, those about him decided that it was 
time for him to take a wife. The choice 
of the Viennese Court fell upon Helene, 
Duchess of Bavaria. The idea of marry- 
ing one who had been chosen for him by 
others was repulsive, and, although he re- 
sented the proposition, none knew better 
than himself that remonstrance was im- 
possible. So, chagrined and annoyed, he 
repaired to Posenhofen, the royal palace 
in Bavaria, to woo and to wed a Princess 
whom he hardly knew. Here the plot to 
a romance was laid by those who did not 
consider the interference of fickle Fate. 

Upon his arrival at Posenhofen Franz 
Josef abandoned the royal carriage await- 
ing him, and repaired on foot to the pal- 



-30- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



ace. Upon entering the park surround- 
ing the palace he encountered a young 
woman. So entrancing was her beauty 
that Franz Josef, quite beside himself 
with admiration, saluted the fair lady. 
The latter did not know him, however. 
This proved to be fortunate. Else events 
might have taken a different turn. The 
young Emperor, while talking to his 
charmer, noticed her nervous manner. 

"What is the matter, mademoiselle?" 

"There is nothing the matter, but I have 
to hurry and retire into the little garden 
house yonder. The Emperor of Austria 
is expected at the palace. He may arrive 
at any minute and — " 

"For what is the Emperor of Austria 
coming?" 

"He is going to marry my sister, and I 
was told I must not meet him. I must go. 
Good-bye!" 

The little beauty disappeared. But in 
due course Franz Josef married the 
younger of the two sisters. So their mar- 
riage was a love affair after all. The 
royal wedding took place at the Bavarian 
capital, Munich, on the twenty-fourth of 
April, 1854. But the dream of romance 



— 31— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



was of brief duration. Empress Eliza- 
beth, although a beautiful, and unusually 
brilliant, as well as an extremely kind 
hearted woman, was inclined to be some- 
what eccentric. Then later she developed 
those signs of mental derangement char- 
acteristic of the royal family of Bavaria. 



-32- 



How it happened, no one really seems 
to know, yet they soon grew apart from 
one another, so much so, that in the later 
years, months at a time would elapse 
without their seeing one another. It must 
be said in justice to both, however, that 
their estrangement was due more to un- 
fortunate circumstances than to any- 
thing else, and, notwithstanding rumors 
and gossips to the contrary, Franz Josef 
and Elizabeth lived the life of respectable 
married folks. It seems that the root of 
the discord, which later on almost re- 
sulted in an open breach, lay in the fact 
that, Elizabeth wished to undertake the 
full responsibilities of a ruler's wife, and 
in this desire was thwarted by the high 
court officials. Little grievances led to se- 



-33- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



rious disagreements. But, in spite of all 
the opposition Elizabeth was a great help 
to her husband. For it did not take her 
long to understand the complication, and 
with a true woman's intuitive instinct she 
resolved to perform her part, which she 
did both nobly and well. The Austro- 
Hungarian Empire is indebted to this 
beautiful woman, who with her personal 
charm of manner often succeeded in pre- 
venting a political storm. Hungary is 
particularly indebted to her, for in real- 
ity it was Elizabeth who began, and who 
for some time actually took the lead in 
the negotiations, which ultimately re- 
sulted in the reconciliation of that nation 
with their ruler. With a keen sense of 
justice she found a means by which she 
might best approach the disgruntled Hun- 
garian nation. For this purpose she re- 
solved to learn the Hungarian language; 
and it should be here stated that in this 
particular she accomplished more than 
her royal husband. Max Falk, then, and 
for many years later the foremost Hun- 
garian publicist, was appointed to in- 
struct her Majesty in the rudiments of the 
language. Those acquainted with the 
difficulties in acquiring this beautiful but 



-34- 



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FRANZ JOSEF 



intricate language, will understand that 
Elizabeth had undertaken no small task. 
But after much time spent in study, she 
found herself able to converse with the 
leaders of Hungary in their own lan- 
guage. This effort on the part of the Em- 
press was accepted as a compliment by 
the Hungarian nation. For all the Hun- 
garian nobles were, as they are now, con- 
versant with several languages. Such 
little thoughtful courtesies went a long 
way toward leading the Hungarian na- 
tion to a realization of the Imperial 
Court's readiness to remedy matters. 
Then, when on June 8, 1867, Franz Josef 
I was crowned King of Hungary every- 
body felt that the good offices of the 
kindly Empress were largely responsible 
for the good results, which followed. 

After the ceremonies on that memor- 
able day, Elizabeth whispered to her en- 
tourage: "This is my happiest day." 
("Das ist mein gluecklischster Tag.") 
She evidently realized the full import- 
ance of this reconciliation between her 
husband and Hungary, therefore, she had 
a right to feel happy, even proud with the 
thought that she herself had performed 
no little part in this achievement. She 



—35— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



knew that good would come of it, and this 
was compensation for all other disap- 
pointments, which she had so nobly 
borne. 



— 36— 



VI 



Hungary was overjoyed at the pros- 
pects of a peaceful development. But 
the festivities were hardly at an end, 
when a tragic event made those beautiful 
June days the more memorable. Arch- 
duke Ferdinand, the brother of Franz 
Josef, lured by Napoleon III had con- 
sented to become Emperor of Mexico. 
He ascended the Aztec throne under the 
title of Maximilian I. and was executed on 
June 19, 1867. The news which spread 
like wildfire caused uneasiness to many 
statesmen. But soon the unfortunate 
Emperor of Mexico and his still more 
unfortunate widow, Empress Charlotte, a 
Belgian Princess, were forgotten. The 
unfortunate Empress Charlotte, whose 
heart and mind were broken by her hus- 
band's tragic fate, is still alive spending 
her sad days at Chateau de Bouchoute in 



—37— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



Louxembourg. But her royal brother- 
in-law, Franz Josef, never failed to show 
her every courtesy, and it was chiefly due 
to his influence that during the present 
war when German armies invaded Loux- 
emburg the poor Empress was allowed to 
remain unmolested. 



— 38— 






FRANZ JOSEF 

at the Age of Sixty 



VII 



Franz Josef, although not educated for 
the throne, was nevertheless brought up 
in the atmosphere of Spanish etiquette. 
That is in the maintenance of all the 
ceremonials that prevailed in mediaeval 
Madrid. The entire royal household was 
governed by a rigid etiquette and the 
quintessence of these ceremonials was 
the idea that the King's person was sacred 
and that the other members of the reign- 
ing house were at least superior beings. 
It seems unbelievable, but, under these 
circumstances if a queen should faint in 
the presence of her courtiers, the latter 
would hesitate as to touching the "sacred" 
body. In later years Franz Josef showed 
a marked tendency toward eliminating 
some of the perfectly useless and ridicu- 
lously absurd ceremonials, but at the 



—39— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



time Elizabeth came, the staff of the First 
Master of Ceremonies was in full sway. 
Count Kalman von Hunyady, a man of 
regal appearance, who held this office, 
was a very important factor of court and 
state life. Elizabeth, born and brought 
up in a less rigid and more sensible en- 
vironment, was first bored, then annoyed 
by all these theatrical manoeuvres. For- 
tunately she won the special sympathy of 
von Hunyady and with his prompt assist- 
ance she managed to "skip" some of 
the most annoying details. A sensible 
woman will do, and endure almost any- 
thing for the man she loves, and Eliza- 
beth did love her husband. But it is mat- 
ter for little wonder if under these try- 
ing conditions the royal couple gradually 
became estranged. According to Span- 
ish etiquette the Emperor of Austria has 
to extend a formal invitation, conveyed 
through the First Master of the Court, if 
he wishes to dine with his Empress. 
Prince Constantine von Hohenlohe-Schil- 
lingsfuerst, the First Master of the Court, 
was most tactful in performing this task; 
and, in many instances he would simply 
report to Her Majesty that "dinner was 
served". But he was found out by a self- 



-40— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



appointed spy and the young Empress 
thenceforth was denied even this little re- 
lief. 

The reconciliation of Hungary with 
Austria was a most welcome event. For 
after the war with Italy (1851-1859) Aus- 
tria found herself in need of a strong 
ally. Much more good however, might 
have come of this reconciliation, had not 
the seed of hatred so skillfully sown 
previous to the coronation, borne fruit. 



—41- 



VIII 



Louis Kossuth, brilliant man, and born 
leader as he proved himself, was inclined 
to selfish interests in spite of his strong 
patriotism. No one will deny but that 
he did much for the liberation of the 
peasantry, although the nobles them- 
selves had resolved to free their serfs 
even before Kossuth appeared. As soon 
as the rumors of the intended abdication 
of King Ferdinand were known, Kossuth 
desired that the new King should be 
crowned immediately upon the latter's 
accession to the Austrian throne. In this 
he won the hearty support of the entire 
Hungarian nation. Having easily won 
his point, he, mistakenly attributed the 
triumph solely to his own personality. 
At the diet held at Debreczen, Kossuth, 
going one step further, moved the de- 



— 42- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



thronization of the Habsburgs as Kings of 
Hungary. Hungary does have the con- 
stitutional right to depose her King, even 
by force, if needs be. But it so happened 
that the majority of the leaders had not 
even dreamed of dethroning the Habs- 
burgs. They were quite willing to accept 
King Ferdinand's successor provided he 
should be crowned immediatelv. So 
though Kossuth managed to get a follow- 
ing of hot-headed ultras, he lost the closer 
touch with the Hungarian nation and his 
dream of becoming governor, or possibly 
King, was shattered! Naturally such 
happenings were well known at Vienna, 
and, when the young Franz Josef as- 
cended the throne he could not be ex- 
pected to be very enthusiastic towards 
Hungary and the Hungarians. It took 
years to fully initiate himself into the real 
conditions. In the meantime Kossuth 
exiled himself to Italy, lived in wealth 
in Turin (Torino) and spent his time in 
harshly criticising Franz Josef and every 
one else who had had anything to do with 
the new ruler. The much desired coro- 
nation was postponed from one year to 
another until finally the good offices of 
Elizabeth were enlisted. 



—43- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



The hatred sown by Kossuth proved a 
great handicap in Franz Josef's success- 
ful reign, and particularly as the reign- 
ing monarch of Hungary. The recently 
freed peasantry, mistakenly giving Kos- 
suth all the credit for their emancipation, 
did not display much enthusiasm towards 
the King. But today every thoughtful 
Hungarian knows, and will not hesitate 
to admit that, Franz Josef was not only 
considerate but just. He not only bravely 
overcame natural prejudices but he gave 
many a sign of his anxiety to repair 
wrongs which had been perpetrated in 
his name. Count Julius von Andrassy 
and Count Ferdinand von Zichy, who 
had been condemned to death in conse- 
quence of the prominent part they had 
taken in the Hungarian rebellion of 1848, 
became Franz Josef's most intimate ad- 
visers. Andrassy for years held the post 
of Prime Minister, and Zichy was never 
omitted or overlooked when there was 
something of importance going on. On 
the whole, in spite of his apparent good 
will Franz Josef's reign was not what one 
would call a series of successes. The 
only tangible result of his long reign was 
the occupation (1878) and later, in 1914, 



-44 — 






i »Kia i k auH') 






CROWN PRINCE RUDOLF 



FRANZ JOSEF 



the annexation of Bosnia and Herzego- 
wina but this too caused him much anx- 
iety. 



—45- 



IX 



Even though partially estranged from 
his wife he always was proud of her. 
For Elizabeth looked her part. She also 
possessed a personal magnetic charm that 
won the heart of all. The functions at 
the Court were always a matter of just 
pride on behalf of Franz Joseph. The 
lovely Empress with her correct taste in 
dress always outshone the beauties of her 
realm. Naturally this would call forth 
envy. For deep down in their hearts 
even ladies of the immediate royal en- 
tourage, yes, queens themselves are but 
women. The wife of Count Fredinand 
von Zichy for years ranked next to Eliza- 
beth in beauty. At one Ball at Court 
(Ball bei Hof ) to which only members of 
the reigning house and their most im- 
mediate cortege are admitted, the whole 
assemblage was in attendance waiting for 



-46- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



the arrival of Her Majesty. Then were 
heard faint raps at the main door. The 
door swung wide and Elizabeth appeared 
as if being carried by unseen hands. 
Even the rigid Spanish etiquette so famil- 
iar to those present could not suppress a 
hushed exclamation of wonder! When 
the expressions of admiration had sub- 
sided, the courtier standing at Countess 
Zichy's side whispered: "Your Excel- 
lency could wear that very same gown to 
better advantage." This proved too great 
a temptation for a high-spirited woman. 
For at the next ball, Elizabeth, upon en- 
tering the room, spied her "double" and 
turning quickly she left the room. 
Countess Zichy accepted the silent rebuke 
and for a long time she did not dare to 
appear at the court functions. Eliza- 
beth, however, forgave her as she always 
did forgive any one, who managed to out- 
wit her. 

Deep down in their hearts, both Franz 
Josef and Elizabeth were of a democratic 
nature. Franz Josef felt he owed it to 
his position as Emepror-King to maintain 
the prestige of his high office, while Eliza- 
beth felt that the hearts of the people 
were more easily reached, and won by 



-47- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



consideration. Franz Josef gave a splen- 
did proof of his democratic tendencies at 
the time of Colonel Roosevelt's visit to the 
Viennese Court. The United States was 
something of an enigma to Franz Josef. 
Yet he was diplomatic enough to accept 
the importance of a visit from a man who 
had been its President. Therefore when 
the King was approached with the ques- 
tion of Roosevelt's impending visit he 
commanded that the representative of 
America be received with all due cour- 
tesy. The Colonel was invited to dine at 
Franz Josef's table. When Mr. Roosevelt 
appeared in an English cutaway and a 
gray four-in-hand tie, some of the high 
courtiers were ready to faint with con- 
sternation. But Colonel Roosevelt's ap- 
pearance was in full accord with Franz 
Josef's wish. For the King wanted to 
have Roosevelt dressed in his ordinary 
way as an American gentleman. Those 
who have any idea how high etiquette is 
being held at Vienna will agree that the 
Emperor paid the United States the high- 
est compliment within his gift. 



-48 — 



X 



While Franz Josef was busy with na- 
tional affairs, Elizabeth spent much of 
her time traveling. She had a veritable 
wanderlust. Her romantic inclination 
carried her from one place to another. 
These extended travels were the cause of 
much comment and gossip, for the Em- 
press became such a victim of travel that 
it amounted to a mania. General von 
Berzeviczy was appointed her special 
Master at Court (Obersthofmeister). He 
was however, her escort and guardian. 
Later the Empress purchased a site in 
Greece and built upon it a really classical 
palace, spending much of her time there. 
This palace which was called Aquileon 
has been purchased by Emperor William 
of Germany. 

The more Elizabeth became estranged 
from her husband, the more complicated 



-49- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



the conditions of his empire became, and 
the greater need Franz Josef felt for a 
companionable friendship. And Mme. 
Katrina Schratt came into his life. Their 
friendship may rightly be compared with 
that of Michel Angelo and Victoria Co- 
lonna. Mme. Schratt did not overesti- 
mate her value to Franz Josef, neither did 
she undervalue it. If she never used her 
influence, and never took or asked for 
anything, and if she kept aloof from state 
and court affairs, as an intelligent woman 
she was aware of the fact that her friend- 
ship was a great relief to Franz Josef. 
And there is not the least doubt that much 
good resulted from this beautiful friend- 
ship. Certain busy-bodies and natural 
born fault finders however, were horri- 
fied when the fact was known that when- 
ever Franz Josef repaired to Ischl, his 
favorite summer resort, to spend a few 
weeks in quietude, Mme. Schratt prompt- 
ly appeared on the scene. She never 
came of her own accord, however; Franz 
Josef always sent an invitation, and 
while Empress Elizabeth was alive, the 
invitation always went with her consent. 
Although Franz Josef was severely criti- 
cized for this friendship, as time passed, 



-50- 



■XJCOOTJil - ... i 

ipjio Ian ■m ai 









CROWN PRINCESS RUDOLF 
PRINCESS STEPHANIE OF BELGIUM 

at Present 
COUNTESS ELEMER VON LONYAI 



FRANZ JOSEF 



people accepted it as a matter of course, 
and bore no ill feeling to either. It was 
Elizabeth herself who introduced Mme. 
Schratt to her husband. The Empress in- 
tuitively felt that there was something 
lacking in herself. She could not stand 
the atmosphere of the Court, and realiz- 
ing how lonely her husband felt during 
her long periods of absence, she provided 
him with the companionship of Katrina 
Schratt. Elizabeth chose her for her hus- 
band's friend, and here it should be stated 
most emphatically, that Mme. Schratt 
never betrayed Elizabeth's trust. Some 
people may not be able to see the point, 
yet it was so. As to Katrina Schratt her- 
self, she is a woman of remarkable tact, a 
lady in every sense of its meaning. She 
was no more nor less to Franz Josef than 
a true friend. They were not lovers, as 
the term is generally understood. If love 
were there it was of a platonic nature. 
Recently a newspaper published an arti- 
cle in which it was stated that the late Em- 
peror's children had Katrina Schratt prac- 
tically thrown out of the Palace when the 
latter came to see the dead Emperor on 
his bier. This statement, to say the least, 
was absurd, for Mme. Schratt knew better 



—51- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



than to commit so great a breach of eti- 
quette, and she is too considerate to cause 
the late Emperor's family any annoy- 
ance. And, by the way, Archduchess 
Marie Valerie, Franz Josef's favorite 
daughter, showed great friendship to- 
ward Mme. Schratt. So while the Emper- 
or's friendship for Mme. Schratt resulted 
in some awkward complications, all 
parties intimately concerned resolved to 
make the best of it. It is said that Franz 
Josef left Mme. Schratt a legacv of some- 
thing like $250,000. And why not? 
Mme. Schratt was not endowed with 
wealth and during the long friendship 
existing between herself and the Em- 
peror, she never accepted anything from 
her royal friend. So it is in keeping with 
Franz Josef's generous and appreciative 
nature to have provided for the old age 
of the one who helped him to overcome 
his many sorrows. 

Frequently of an evening, Franz Josef 
would repair to Mme. Schratt's house. 
There they visited, partook of a very sim- 
ple meal and then indulged in a harmless 
game of Tarock. A well known financier 
used to join these parties and he wit- 
nessed many a time the Emperor's great 



—52— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



joy when he won a game, always played 
with very small stakes, one Kreuzer the 
point. Now, that Franz Josef has passed 
away, Katrina Schratt knows fully well 
that her mission has come to an end and 
she will never even dream of embarrass- 
ing any one, least of all the new ruler 
and those about him. 



—53— 



XI 



Franz Josef was a man of regular and 
simple habits. He rose at six A. M. and 
after a walk or a ride on horseback he 
would partake of a very simple breakfast 
and then work at his desk until one 
o'clock. His luncheon consisted of a 
plate of soup, some vegetables, some 
meat, mostly boiled beef (Rindfleisch) 
and a small glass of Tokay with a biscuit. 
He had cigars made especially for him- 
self. For he was an inveterate smoker. 
The cigars were of selected leaves of vir- 
gin tobacco. They were about eight 
inches in length with a straw running 
through the centre. He would place the 
cigar upon the edge of his glass, would 
light the outer end and watch until the 
smoke would come out at the other end, 
for he maintained that a cigar should 
never be put to the lips until the smoke 



—54— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



had penetrated it. He would smoke as 
many as fifteen of these strong cigars in 
a day. Some seven years ago at his phy- 
sician's advice he had to forego this pleas- 
ure. 

Franz Josef set an example of punctu- 
ality, for at dinners, balls and theatre 
parties he always appeared at the stroke 
of the hour set for those functions. He 
thus established the habit of punctuality 
among the aristocracy of his realm, and 
when there were no functions scheduled 
for the evening Franz Josef never retired 
later than nine o'clock. 

The Emperor was also courtesy per- 
sonified and for courtesy's sake he would 
deliberately break the rules of established 
etiquette. For example, some fourteen 
years ago Nazr-Eddin, then Shah of 
Persia, on his grand tour, visited Vienna. 
He was the first Oriental potentate to stay 
at the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace of 
Vienna. Nazr-Eddin caused the royal 
household many an uneasy hour, because 
he assumed that under his distinguishing 
title "Son of the Sun", both his royal host 
and the entire household would conform 
to his desires and whims. At first, Franz 
Josef, upon receiving some reports as to 



-55— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



his guest's eccentric doings was annoyed 
beyond expression, for things unheard of 
for centuries happened at the Hofburg. 
Baron von Bechtolsheim, the Gentleman 
of Honor (Ehrencavalier) assigned to the 
Shah during the latter's stay in Austria- 
Hungary, had his hands more than full 
with the double task of pleasing his 
ruler's guest and in preventing the latter 
from committing flagrant blunders. Von 
Bechtolsheim was one of the most stately 
Generals of the army and just the man 
for the task, but no one will ever know 
the sleepless nights he incurred during 
that critical time. However, after Nazr- 
Eddin had left, von Bechtolsheim, was 
asked, in a joking way, what he would 
consider the most adequate reward for 
his services. "One week's vacation in bed 
with cold compresses" ("Eine Woche im 
Bett mit kalten Umschlaegen") was his 
reply. 

But the courtesy and consideration of 
Franz Josef himself is shown by the fol- 
lowing episodes: 

One of the features for the entertain- 
ment of the Shah was a Gala Perform- 
ance arranged at the Imperial Opera 
House at Vienna. Singers of world fame 



— 56 — 






AaaeTsr/ auiAi/. saaviOHAH 






BARONESS MARIE VETSERA 



HHBS«f?IS!^^ 



■»P^B^ 




FRANZ JOSEF 



were engaged and a most excellent pro- 
gram provided. When Franz Josef and 
his guest arrived they took their seats in 
the Imperial loge. As soon as they were 
seated the members of the orchestra, in 
preparation for the impending overture, 
tuned their respective instruments. 
Nazr-Eddin listened intently, then ap- 
plauded with all his might. The next 
minute, Franz Josef, with a supreme ef- 
fort of self-control, suppressed his 
amazement and followed his guest's ex- 
ample. The entire audience applauded, 
and to the astonishment of Herr Strauss, 
the leader, the experiment had to be re- 
peated. Again: at the close of the first 
act refreshments were served to the royal 
guest and the immediate cortege. Pow- 
dered lackeys offered delicious ice cream 
(Gefrorenes) on solid gold plates. The 
Shah first tasted it with his finger and 
then proceeded to eat it in the same man- 
ner. Franz Josef and his courtiers were 
at first shocked into a rigid dignity. But 
the Shah's questioning glance soon 
changed their attitude and it is safe to say 
that this was the first occasion on which 
members of the Viennese Court ate ice 
cream without using spoons. 



-57- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



Another remarkable qualification pos- 
sessed by Franz Josef was a splendid 
memory. He inaugurated the custom of 
granting public audiences. Whether in 
Vienna or at Budapest, every Monday and 
Thursday when not otherwise occupied, 
any one, upon previous application could 
come to pay homage to the ruler. It hap- 
pened many times that, at first sight, he 
would recognize a general whom he had 
last met as a young Captain during some 
of the army manoeuvers. People would 
come from all parts of the realm, and 
sometimes the list of callers would num- 
ber 100: courtiers, generals, bishops, 
nobles, statesmen, foreign diplomats, and 
others of less pretentious rank. Yet no 
one left the august presence without hav- 
ing been spoken to in the most kindly and 
courteous manner. 



—51 



XII 



While Elizabeth often found the Court 
Ceremonials irksome, Franz Josef always 
enjoyed them. A ball, a dinner, or a re- 
ception at Court was an important func- 
tion to him. So was the Corpus Christi 
procession. On the latter occasion, one 
might see Franz Josef walking behind 
the Archbishop of Vienna, the latter 
carrying the Blessed Sacrament. The 
Emperor, bareheaded, with devotion de- 
picted on his countenance and sur- 
rounded by his cavaliers, carried his 
candle with the deference of an humble 
acolyte. Then when the Archbishop 
stopped to pronounce the benediction, 
Franz Josef knelt on the bare ground, re- 
gardless of its condition. He had a 
deeply religious spirit. There were but 
few days when he did not attend Mass in 
his private chapel, and he respected his 
confessor just as any humble penitent 



-59— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



would do. Franz Josef was a devout 
Catholic to the core, but a tolerant and 
most considerate ruler. It was he who 
brought about the emancipation of the 
Jews in his lands, doing away with the 
Ghetto (Segregation) system and open- 
ing all public offices to that race. 

When Maurice Wahrmann, a brilliant 
financier, philanthropist and statesman, 
and the first Jew to be made a Hungarian 
Peer, called to thank the ruler for his ele- 
vation, Franz Josef shook hands with 
Wahrmann. While this action amounted 
to a serious breach of etiquette it is also 
proof of the innate courtesy of the Em- 
peror. 

The Order of St. Stephen is a distinc- 
tion coveted by many. It is the highest 
decoration in the gift of the King of Hun- 
gary. It was founded by Maria-Theresia 
and its bestowal is strictly confined to 
Catholics only. When the time came to 
show his gratitude to Koloman von Tisza, 
the Prime Minister of Hungary, who was 
a pronounced Lutheran, Franz Josef did 
not hesitate in bestowing upon him the 
highest honor, that of the Grand Cross of 
St. Stephen. 



-60- 



TTAHH'Je Ir.Yi 













md o} 



MADAME KATRINA 8CHKATT 






XIII 



Franz Josef regarded loyalty above all; 
it was the highest qualification in his 
esteem. On one occasion Baron von 
Hengelmueller, then Austro-Hungarian 
Ambassador at Washington, owing to 
some misinformation was on the point 
of being recalled to Vienna. Theodore 
Roosevelt, who was then President, and 
also an intimate friend of von Hengel- 
mueller, fully appreciating the Ambassa- 
dor's efficiency tried hard to retain him 
at his post. Both the President and von 
Hengelmueller were at a loss as to how 
they might induce Franz Josef to change 
his mind. Soon their anxiety was re- 
lieved however, for the President and his 
wife gave a dinner for the foreign diplo- 
mats. Baroness von Hengelmueller, nee 
Countess Dunin-Borkowska, was not 
only a devoted wife but she was also a 



—61— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



very clever woman. She managed to 
have it arranged so that at the dinner she 
was to sit, presumably, next to the Am- 
bassador from Mexico. Arriving at the 
festal board, Baroness von Hengelmuel- 
ler, softly but quite determinedly pro- 
tested at the idea of sitting next to the 
Ambassador from the very country that 
had assassinated her beloved ruler's 
brother! This incident, of course, was 
promptly reported to Vienna and von 
Hengelmuller remained at his post until 
he retired of his own will. 

As much as Franz Josef appreciated 
loyalty, he also laid much stress upon the 
observance of unconditional subordina- 
tion. Early in the seventies William I 
Emperor of Germany visited Vienna. 
Great and intimate was the friendship of 
these two rulers, so great, that they would 
forget that they were anything but 
friends. Desirous to have an evening all 
to themselves, the two rulers drove to 
Baden (Baden bei Wien) a quiet resort. 
They took their supper on the veranda of 
the hotel (Kurhaus) and visited until a 
late hour. Emperor William was suffer- 
ing from the effects of a bad cold, and as 
soon as his host noticed that the air was 



-62— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



getting cool he suggested that they return 
to Vienna. But Emperor William would 
not hear of it. Finally, Franz Josef, fail- 
ing of persuasion, rose from the table and 
said in a commanding voice: "Colonel 
I order retirement" ("Herr Oberst, ich 
befehle Aufbruch"). As Emperor Wil- 
liam wore the Colonel's uniform of the 
Austrian regiment of which he was hon- 
orary chief he could do nothing else but 
obey. 



-63— 



XIV 



In November, 1905, the writer decided 
to go to the United States to here work 
for the uplift of his fellow countrymen. 
My father who was one of the Emperor's 
chamberlains would at first not hear of it. 
When I told him of my intention he 
smiled as one having authority, but spoke 
little. A few days later he became con- 
vinced that I was in earnest and as a re- 
sult, I was summoned to Vienna. 

When ushered into the Emperor's pres- 
ence, Franz Josef, as usual, rose from his 
desk, put on his military cap and his 
gloves and with his left hand resting upon 
the hilt of his sword, he bestowed upon 
me a scrutinizing look, which I as fear- 
lessly, returned. After a silence that 
seemed an age to me the Emperor said: 

"I understand you intend to leave for 
America?" 



-64- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



In reply I made the deep bow as pre- 
scribed by court etiquette. 

"Well, young man," — the Emperor 
said in a somewhat irritated tone of voice 
— "do you realize that I have the power to 
prevent you from going?" 

This time, I realized, I had to do some- 
thing more than bow, for had I simply 
bowed again this would have meant that I 
took it for granted I could not go. The 
truth of the matter is, I never dreamed 
after this, that I should ever reach the 
United States. But I did want to go. So 
I resolved to take a chance, anyhow. And 
a mere chance it appeared to me. 

I withstood the stern look of the ruler. 
Then I summoned courage to say: 

"Indeed, I most humbly realize Your 
Apostolic Majesty's power to prevent me 
from going. Yet, I scarcely imagine that 
Your Apostolic Majesty claims the intui- 
tive power of changing my mind." 

Instinctively I closed my eyes for a sec- 
ond. In my imagination I already felt 
the hand of the chamberlain on duty 
leading me, perhaps not any too gently, 
from the august presence. Yet, nothing 
of the sort happened. Franz Josef again 



-65— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



gave me one of his clear, straight looks. 
Then after a brief pause, as if giving me 
opportunity to retract my words, he rang 
the bell. 

The next second the chamberlain on 
duty appeared. His Majesty whispered 
something, while I wondered whether I 
should be carried out or thrown out 
bodily. But the chamberlain disap- 
peared. 

In the meantime the Emperor con- 
tinued to gaze fixedly on me. In a few 
moments the chamberlain returned, bear- 
ing in his hand a gold salver, which he 
tendered to the Emperor. Franz Josef 
took a photograph from the salver, and 
turning to his desk, he autographed the 
same, and handed it to me. 

"Well, then, young man, if you are 
bound to go take this with you. You may 
find it useful in that strange country." 

To tell the truth I never knew how I 
reached my carriage. But I shall always 
cherish this photo as a ken of Franz 
Josef's splendid sense of justice. 



-66- 



tiiAttaoTOHi aaa^AHooTUA .?**3aoi svjah * 






FRANZ JOSEF'S AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPH 



Oil 



£?"^ 




XV 



Since affairs did not go as well as Franz 
Josef might have wished, he concentrated 
his efforts on his duties as Generalissimo 
(Allerhoechster Kriegsherr) of the army. 
He was a soldier first and last. His aids, 
(General- Adjutant), first Philip Count 
von Gruenne, then later and until the last 
days, Edward Count von Paar, never 
knew when they would be called upon to 
accompany their ruler on one of his oft- 
extended trips of inspection. They were 
expected always to have in readiness the 
Emperor's traveling case, and it hap- 
pened more than once that he would sum- 
mon one of his chamberlains in one 
breath ordering both his carriage and the 
immediate presence of the aid. 

Those who knew Franz Josef at close 
range knew full well how much he de- 
sired to secure a safe and prosperous fu- 
ture to the countries entrusted to his care. 



—67 — 



FRANZ JOSEF 



Once, while discussing state affairs with 
one of his intimates and while alluding 
to the futility of his many efforts, he re- 
marked that he was almost sorry the offi- 
cers of the army did not wear softer col- 
lars. This was in allusion to an attempt 
at his assassination in the beginning of 
his reign, when one morning, while tak- 
ing a walk with one of his aids around the 
ancient and since destroyed Bastions of 
Vienna, a fanatic sprang at the Emperor 
from behind. It was only the stiff mili- 
tary collar that frustrated the would-be 
assassin's knife! 

Franz Josef was at times inclined to 
melancholy. At such moments, how- 
ever, he would seek distraction in hunt- 
ing, for he was an excellent shot, and 
even at eighty years of age he would fol- 
low an antelope with the ease and speed 
of a very much younger man. Many 
and great were the sorrows that befell 
him. The assassination of his brother, 
Maximilian, was a blow from which he 
never entirely recovered. Then when 
the news of Elizabeth's assassination 
reached him he was beside himself with 
grief. The tragedy shocked the whole 
world. It happened that Empress Eliza- 



—68— 






IS) 

* 4) 

r hi S« 

V r i> " 

., «H ' OB g 

g -s a i«i 

9 P5r 



'RSI 



H H 



FRANZ JOSEF 



beth was on one of her extended trips 
and, as usual, accompanied by General 
von Berzeviczy. In the afternoon of the 
10th of September, 1898, she went aboard 
the boat that was to carry her from Genf , 
Switzerland, to St. Martin. While on the 
gangplank she was stabbed in her heart 
and died almost immediately after utter- 
ing: "I feel so strange. What hap- 
pened?" ("Ich fuehle so komisch. Was 
ist geschehen?") The beautiful Empress 
fell a victim to the fanaticism of Luc- 
cheni, an anarchist, who had been sent to 
Genf to assassinate the Duke of Orleans, 
the Bourbon Pretender to the French 
throne, who was expected on that partic- 
ular day. As the latter for some un- 
known reason did not arrive, Luccheni, 
bound to kill some royal personage, 
thrust his dagger into the innocent heart 
of the Empress. 



-69- 



XVI 



Three children were born to this royal 
couple. Archduchess Gisela, born at Lax- 
enburg, near Vienna, on the 12th of July, 
1856, is living in Bavaria as the happy 
wife of Leopold Duke of Bavaria. Her 
sole ambition is to live for her husband 
and their children. Etiquette in their 
family is confined to that which is only 
absolutely necessary and both, Gisela and 
her husband enjoy associating with the 
better class of Bavarians. They keep 
what might be called "open house". At 
one of their informal afternoon parties 
(Jause) a young officer of the Bavarian 
Army, Otto von Seefried, was introduced 
to the family. He fell in love with the 
oldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth. It 
was at the direct intervention of Franz 
Josef that the two lovers were permitted 
to marry. Franz Josef's attitude, how- 



-70— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



ever, caused a sensation, for Otto von 
Seefried was not her equal in rank, only, 
but he was also a Protestant. They were 
married at Genua, December 2, 1893, and 
von Seefried was transferred to the Aus- 
trian army and received the title of 
Count. 

Archduchess Marie Valerie was born at 
Ofen, on the twenty-second of April, 1868, 
and was married July 31, 1890, to Arch- 
duke Franz Salvator. She was Franz 
Josef's favorite daughter and the aged 
monarch spent much time with her chil- 
dren. The family lives rather quietly 
and very happily, for it is said that the 
Archduchess is a model mother. 



-71 — 



XVII 



Rudolf, the only son and heir to the 
double throne, was born at Vienna on 
August 21, 1858. He was a most promis- 
ing youth. His early education, under 
the wise guidance of Bishop Hyacinthus 
von Ronay, was one well befitting a man 
with such a great and important future 
before him, for Rudolf was a man of 
great ability. He could have made his 
mark in life either as a soldier or as a lit- 
erary man. But sad to say, he spent most 
of his time in idle dissipation. It was a 
great grief to Elizabeth to see her son 
frustrating all her hopes. It is said that 
Rudolf was ambitious and anxious to 
ascend his father's throne. And again, it 
is asserted that had Franz Josef been as- 
sured of his son's ability to succeed him, 
he would have resigned in Rudolf's favor 
when the latter had reached his twenty- 



-72 — 



uTauAsiia aiena'iu i 10 hi*h re*, i siht 



THE LAST PHOTOGRAPH OF EMPRESS ELIZABETH 



FRANZ JOSEF 



fifth birthday. Once in awhile Rudolf 
would display an ardent desire for action. 
He traveled extensively and wrote valu- 
able books on his travels. A warm 
friend of Hungary, he composed a liter- 
ary work on the country entitled "The 
Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in Words 
and Pictures", which he published in both 
German and Hungarian. 

Much was expected from his marriage 
which took place in Vienna on the 10th of 
May, 1881, to Stephanie Princess of Bel- 
gium. But to the grief of all concerned 
it soon became apparent that Rudolf and 
Stephanie were ill-mated. It is hard to 
do justice in this case, but incidents, how- 
ever, are decidedly in favor of Stephanie. 
Her husband loved her in a way, but he 
neglected her and after the birth of their 
daughter matters took a turn for the 
worse. The little Princess, Elizabeth, the 
picture of her beautiful grandmother, 
was kept aloof by Stephanie from an at- 
mosphere which would have degraded 
her. But the Archduchess Elizabeth be- 
came the darling of the Court. Both, 
Franz Josef and his Empress did much 
for this granddaughter and for Stephanie. 



-73— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



On the 30th day of January, 1889, like 
a bolt from the blue sky came the news 
of Rudolf's tragic death, which occurred 
at Meyerling, the Imperial Hunting lodge 
within easy riding distance from Vienna. 
The details of his death will always re- 
main a mystery. He had a love affair 
with Baroness Marie von Vetsera, a Vien- 
nese beauty, and some think he took his 
own life because he could not wed her. 
Others assert, however, that Marie von 
Vetsera killed her lover in a fit of jeal- 
ousy, while rumor also declared that 
Rudolf was entangled in a conspiracy 
which purposed the dethronement of 
Franz Josef, so that he (Rudolf) might 
become King. The strangest of all is that 
each one of the versions seems plausible 
as proof was not lacking to verify either 
of them, yet neither of the plots could be 
positively verified. Those who knew 
and who could tell, disappeared. There 
was Archduke Johann, Rudolf's uncle, 
and most intimate friend, who shortly 
after his nephew's death resigned his title 
and rank and married Lori Stubel, a sou- 
brette. Then under the name of John 
Orth he left Austria never to return. 
Rear Admiral Count Bombelles, Rudolf's 



-74- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



chamberlain, the two Baltazzis and 
Counts von Stockau and Hoyos-Sprinzen- 
stein, all of Rudolf's most intimate 
friends, also disappeared as if the earth 
had swallowed them. But Rudolf's 
death was the greatest tragedy that ever 
befell the house of Habsburg. It took 
months before the consternation in any 
degree subsided. It was the beautiful 
Empress who suffered most, for the ter- 
rible shock unbalanced her mind, and, 
after her son's death she never again ap- 
peared in public without two fans held 
in such manner as to conceal her face. 



—75- 



XVIII 



After Rudolf's death Franz Josef and 
Elizabeth still held Stephanie in high esti- 
mation. Her second husband is a Hun- 
garian noble, Count Elemer von Lonyay. 
The marriage took place at the bride's 
castle at Miramare, on the Riviera, on 
March 22, 1900, and it was considered a 
love match pure and simple. Stephanie 
resigned all her previous titles and to- 
day is known only as the Countess von 
Lonyay. Yet she is more generally 
spoken of as "Kronprinzessin Stephanie" 
and all who know her love and respect 
her. While her husband Elemer von 
Lonyay holds a high place in public opin- 
ion, they are not seen much in public, for 
they prefer the seclusion of their beauti- 
ful Hungarian estate. 

Fate had so ordained that the only 
daughter of the Crown Prince should also 



—76— 



axi :mt h xx'jaitiHi 



ARCHDUKE KARL LUDWIG 

Franz Josef's Brother, who, after the tragic death of 
Crown Prince Rudolf, became Heir-Apparent. 



FRANZ JOSEF 



marry below her rank. It was at the 
coming out of Archduchess Elizabeth that 
she first met her present husband. 
Prince Otto von Windisch-Graetz was one 
of the cavaliers assigned to lead the 
dances at the Court Ball. The little love- 
god whispered the word and with no little 
trepidation the young couple found their 
hearts in accord. But it was Franz Josef, 
again, who used his influence in bringing 
happiness to both, and then on the twen- 
ty-third of January, 1902, the marriage 
was consummated in Vienna. 



—77— 



XIX 



The tragedy had produced such con- 
sternation that no one seemed to think of 
the question as to who now would be 
Franz Josef's heir and successor. Ac- 
cording to the Law of Succession (Prag- 
matica Sanctio), regulating this question, 
the Emperor, leaving no male heir, would 
be naturally and automatically succeeded 
by his next brother. Archduke Karl Lud- 
wig, however, the Emperor's next broth- 
er, was but two years his junior, and evi- 
dently had never thought of succeeding 
to the throne. The youngest brother, 
Ludwig Victor, a bachelor, was altogether 
out of the question. Karl Ludwig had 
three sons. Which should it be? Father 
or son? might have been the question. 
But there was no discussion of the ques- 
tion for some time. Karl Ludwig's wife 
in third marriage, Marie Therese of Por- 



—78— 



(ivtAfeiaoara \yf.n-t shimhdjia 

.Xx'it 

v>Iviii(t ^ hoy ^titi{'»H i-filnuo')) 



ARCHDUKE FRANZ FERDINAND 

Who became Heir upon his father's — Archduke Karl 
Ludwig's — resignation, and his Morganatic Wife, 
THE DUCHESS VON HOHENBERG 
(Countess Sophie von Chotek) 
Whose assassination is said to have been the imme- 
diate cause of the war. 



FRANZ JOSEF 



tugal, a very beautiful and still more am- 
bitious woman, pressed the question of 
her husband's right as a successor but 
could attain no results. Karl Ludwig 
would have none of it. He actually re- 
signed in favor of his eldest son, Arch- 
duke Franz Ferdinand. This, however, 
was no simple matter. Franz Josef as 
well as the entire court knew that among 
the three sons of Karl Ludwig, namely, 
Franz Ferdinand, Otto and Ferdinand 
Karl, the latter, a military genius, would 
be most fitted to succeed to the throne. 
Somehow or other, even though the two 
elder brothers at that time were willing 
to give up their claims in favor of the 
youngest, such arrangements never came 
to pass. Finally, after Karl Ludwig's 
death, in 1896, Franz Josef sent for Franz 
Ferdinand and notified him of his inten- 
tion of making him his heir. Then, for 
some years, not much was heard of Franz 
Ferdinand, and he was not spoken of as 
Crown Prince but simply as Heir Appar- 
ent. Later on he was made Inspector 
General of the Austro-Hungarian military 
forces. 



— 79— 



XX 



Franz Ferdinand, born from his fath- 
er's second marriage to Annonciade, 
Princess of Bourbon, at Gratz, on the 
eighteenth of December, 1863, was of a 
retiring disposition, therefore he was lit- 
tle known. But he was a good soldier 
and a fine sportsman. As Heir Apparent 
he could not or should not marry any one 
but a Princess of a reigning house. While 
undecided what to do, he began visiting 
his cousin, the Archduke Friedrich, who 
at that time was commander of the Army 
Corps at Pressburg (Pozsony). There 
Archduke Friedrich and his wife, Isabel- 
la, sister of the King of Spain, entertained 
on a grand scale. The formerly poor 
Archduke had just fallen heir to the mil- 
lions of his uncle, Archduke Albrecht. 
Besides he had three marriageable daugh- 



so— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



ters. Franz Ferdinand's frequent calls, 
therefore, were naturally all the more 
welcome. Who can describe the chagrin 
of the Archducal parents when they 
learned that the Heir Apparent's frequent 
calls were not intended as a courtesy to 
either of their daughters? 

The truth of the matter was, Franz Fer- 
dinand lost his heart to Sophie von Cho- 
tek, the charming lady-in-waiting to 
Archduchess Isabella! And, perhaps, 
Count von Herberstein or Baron Julius 
von Pronay, at that time Master of the 
Court and Chamberlain, respectively, to 
Archduke Friedrich, were the only ones 
who really knew of the unpleasant de- 
tails of Countess von Chotek's instant dis- 
missal. 

After years of trouble and many diffi- 
culties Franz Ferdinand finally succeeded 
in getting Franz Josef's consent to his 
marriage with Countess Sophie von Cho- 
tek. But the conditions were humilia- 
ting, to say the least. Franz Ferdinand 
had to renounce the claims of both his 
wife and children to the throne. And his 
wife not being of royal blood, had to rank 



-81— 



FRANZ JOSEF 



after the youngest Archduchess. Again, 
she could only be considered as consort 
and never be called by the title of Arch- 
duchess, nor later, by that of Queen, or 
Empress. Franz Ferdinand gallantly 
stood the test. He gave the required re- 
nunciation, and married his lady love at 
Reichstadt, in Bohemia, on July 1, 1900. 
This union was a very happy one, al- 
though it was what is termed a morgan- 
atic marriage, which is really somewhat 
of an historical freak. It is a marriage 
entered into by a Prince of a reigning 
house with a lady whose rank would not 
permit of her participation in the privi- 
leges accorded to her husband. It was 
customary in ancient times on the morn- 
ing of such marriages for the groom to 
recompense his bride for the loss of priv- 
ileges she would have to sustain during 
her married life, by bestowing upon her 
gifts of great value. These gifts were 
called Morgengabe, hence the derivation 
"Morganatic" marriage. 

Franz Ferdinand and his wife — who 
later was elevated to the rank of Duchess 
of Hohenberg — spent most of their time 
on their estate Konopist, in Bohemia. 



—82— 



jnfil -;< -.-.ji^ * 






CHARLES I. 

The New Auntro-Hunsarian Emperor-King 






FRANZ JOSEF 

Franz Ferdinand, however, was little 
seen at public festivals and he never ap- 
peared at Court accompanied by his wife. 
He was severely and justly criticized for 
not having married Sophie von Chotek on 
equal terms. This, of course, would have 
necessitated his relinquishment of all 
title to the throne, but he should have 
married simply as an Archduke. Then 
his wife would not have been humiliated 
by a position, which must have been any- 
thing but enviable. 

After Bosnia and Herzegowina had 
been formally annexed by Austria in 
1914, it seemed proper for the ruler to 
visit his new provinces. Franz Josef 
made all preparations for this trip, but as 
his physicians strongly advised against it, 
it devolved upon Franz Ferdinand, then 
the full-fledged heir, to perform this 
duty. There were rumors to the effect 
that the time for the trip had been illy 
chosen. However, Franz Ferdinand was 
determined to go, for this afforded him 
the first opportunity of taking part in any 
function as heir to the throne. The more 
persistent the ominous rumors became 
the more his wife was determined to join 



-83- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



him, and together they repaired to Bos- 
nia, and met their death at the hand of an 
assassin. 



—84— 



XXI 



After Franz Josef's death, November 
21, 1916, Archduke Karl Franz Josef as 
Karl I was proclaimed Emperor of Aus- 
tria and King of Hungary. The new King 
is a very amiable young man of twenty- 
nine years. His wife, Princess Zita of 
Parma, of the House of Bourbon, is a 
charming young woman of accomplish- 
ment. It remains to be seen, however, 
whether personal charm and amiableness 
are sufficient to contend with a situation, 
that is, if anything, very complicated. 

The new ruler's coronation as Apostol- 
ic King of Hungary took place at Ofen 
(Buda), on December 31, 1916. The cor- 
onation of the King of Hungary always 
was a brilliant affair, but the coronation 
of King Karl was the most brilliant ever 
known or heard of. 



15 — 



FRANZ JOSEF 



The coronation was entirely a Hungar- 
ian affair. No foreign princes were pres- 
ent except King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, 
who attended in his capacity as a Magyar 
magnate (Peer), which title is his by 
birthright, his name before his accession 
to the Bulgarian throne having been Fer- 
dinand Prince Koburg-Gotha-Kohary. 
Frederick C. Penfield, the American Am- 
bassador, was one of the few neutral dip- 
lomats present. 

King Karl was attired in the crimson 
red Hungarian gala uniform with heavy 
gold embroidery, with a white mantle 
lined with red fox and also covered with 
heavy gold embroidery, black patent 
leather boots and gold spurs. Queen Zita 
wore pale blue brocaded silk, with a veil, 
and the diamond studded crown above a 
dark blue velvet cap. 

Otto Franz Josef, the four-year-old 
crown prince, was the first of the royal 
family to reach the church. The King 
and Queen appeared at nine o'clock, and 
the crown of St. Stephen was placed on 
the King's head by the Primate Cardinal 
Csernoch and Premier Count von Tisza 
at the stroke of 10 o'clock. The service 
obliged the King to kneel long and fre- 



—86— 



EMPRESS-QUEEN ZITA 



FRANZ JOSEF 



quently, and he moved uneasily while the 
Cardinal was celebrating solemn high 
mass. 

While wearing the crown the King also 
put on the ancient coronation cloak of 
faded purple, covered with odd designs in 
gold. This cloak was first worn by King 
St. Stephen. Karl also held the sword of 
the latter, with which he made the custo- 
mary passes, symbolizing his intention as 
monarch to defend the kingdom against 
all enemies. In making the passes with 
the sword the King neglected to cut be- 
hind him until the officiating Primate 
drew his attention to the omission. 

King Karl, from the moment of Franz 
Josef's death showed marked signs of his 
ardent desire for peace. It seems a safe 
probability that for the sake of obtaining 
peace the new King would be ready to 
cede some territory to Italy. Count Czer- 
nin, the new foreign secretary, is King 
Karl's near adviser and the new secretary 
is known to be one of the leaders of the 
peace party. The new King's first consid- 
eration is the welfare of his people and 
he, no doubt, would readily subordinate 
his personal ambition to the peaceful and 
harmonious growth of his empire. 



17 — 



FRANZ JOSEF 



The unusual splendor of King Karl's 
coronation seems of great significance. 
Hungary has suffered tremendously from 
the war. It is really a war-stricken coun- 
try in the fullest sense of the word. Yet, 
from the minute King Karl issued his 
proclamation, the whole Hungarian na- 
tion was unanimous in expressing their 
enthusiasm. Both, King Karl and Hun- 
gary, may well expect a great deal from 
each other. It will be decidedly interest- 
ing to watch developments and to see 
whether the new King is of strong enough 
personality to successfully press his 
point. Who knows but that events might 
assign to Hungary the leading role within 
the dual monarchy by which, perhaps, 
and most likely both Austria as well as 
Hungary might grow in strength and im- 
portance? 

The new ruler's career will very largely 
depend upon the final outcome of the 
present war. Even should the war result 
in the victory of the Central Powers, as 
Emperor-King Karl I of Austria-Hungary 
will have an extremely difficult problem 
to cope with. And who knows but that 
some day Duke Maximilian of Hohen- 
berg, Franz Ferdinand's oldest son, might 




•?^>"Ol SVt-.nt tl'il.t .151 FQi. 



ARCHDUKE OTTO FRANZ JOSEF 
The Present Heir 



FRANZ JOSEF 



not appear on the scene as pretender? 
The Hungarian Constitution does not rec- 
ognize morganatic marriages, and the 
lawful wife of the King of Hungary be- 
comes ipso facto Queen and their children 
heirs. 



—89— 



XXII 



Was Franz Josef responsible for the 
present war? No! The ultimatum of 
Austria as sent to Servia was written at 
the Kaiser's advice. It is generally 
known, although not much talked about, 
that for some fifteen years the Kaiser was 
the leading spirit of Central Europe. He 
not only was Franz Josef's best friend but 
also his most valuable adviser. It was 
the Kaiser's staunch friendship and in- 
fluence that prevented Austria from get- 
ting into war some four years ago. This 
war, however, has been brewing for the 
last forty or more years and it would have 
come, at any rate, ultimatum or no ulti- 
matum. 

After the declaration of war the Belve- 
dere Palast, the Viennese residence of the 
late Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, was 
transformed into a hospital for wounded 



— 90 — 



FRANZ JOSEF 



officers. The aged monarch was in the 
habit of going there every morning to 
call on the newly arrived heroes. One 
morning upon entering one of the rooms, 
he recognized one of his favorite aids, 
Baron von Margutti, who had volunteered 
to the front. The poor fellow returned 
to Vienna minus his legs and arms. 
Franz Josef, deeply shocked, approached 
his dear officer and with broken voice 
asked him what he could do for him. 

"Your Majesty, all I wish for is a bullet 
through my heart". After this Franz Jo- 
sef returned to the Palace and asked for 
his grandchildren's toys. 



—91— 



XXIII 



At midnight of November 30, 1916, a 
plain black hearse drawn by four black 
horses halted in front of the main en- 
trance to the Church of the Capuchin 
Fathers at Vienna. The hearse was fol- 
lowed by a carriage. Two gentlemen left 
the carriage. One of them, the First Mas- 
ter of the Court, rapped with his staff at 
the door. 

"Who is it?" — came the question from 
inside. It was the Prior (Guardian) of 
the Capuchin Fathers, who as custodian 
of the family vaults of the Habsburgs, 
which are located in the basement of the 
church, awaited the dead ruler's arrival. 

"His Most Serene Majesty, Franz Josef, 
Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King 
of Hungary." 

"I know him not." 



—92 — 



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FRANZ JOSEF 



Again the Master of the Court rapped. 

"Who is it?" 

"Emperor Franz Josef, King of Hun- 
gary." 

"I know him not." 

A third rap. 

"Who is it?" 

"A poor sinner, Franz Josef." 

Upon which the doors opened and 
Franz Josef's remains were put to rest be- 
tween Elizabeth and Rudolf. 

The final curtain had gone down upon 
the life and career of Franz Josef. 

What next? 

The Vienna Congress convened late in 
1814, to reorganize the political system of 
Europe after the first overthrow of Na- 
poleon I. The principal powers repre- 
sented in it were Austria, Russia, Prussia, 
England and France; Spain, Portugal, 
Sweden and other minor powers were 
consulted on matters more nearly con- 
cerning them. The leading territorial ad- 
justments affected by the congress were 
the following: Austria recovered Lom- 
bardy and Venice, while the King of Sar- 
dinia recovered Piedmont and Savoy. 
Murat, elevated to the throne by Napo- 



-93- 



FRANZ JOSEF 



leon, retained Naples, but the Bourbons 
were soon reinstated. Holland and Bel- 
gium were erected into a kingdom for the 
Prince of Orange, William I. Hannover 
was returned to the King of England, and 
Great Britain retained Malta, Helgoland 
and several conquered colonies. A fed- 
erative constitution, with a diet at Frank- 
fort, was established for Germany. Prus- 
sia received the duchy of Posen, Swedish 
Pommerania, the Rhine province and a 
part of Saxony. Russia received the 
greater part of the duchy of Warsaw, 
Cracow becoming a free state, protected 
by Russia, Austria and Prussia. Sweden 
retained Norway, and Denmark was in- 
demnified with Launburg. The congress 
was suddenly broken up by Napoleon's 
escape from Elba (February, 1815); but 
its acts were signed by the powers inter- 
ested on June 9, 1815. 

How times change! Look at the map 
of Europe today! 



—94— 



XXIV 



There are five big letters in gold above 
the main entrance to the Hofburg, the 
Viennese Imperial Palace: 



E I V 



At the time of the Vienna congress in 
1814 Talleyrand, the emissary of France, 
who came to take part in the conferences, 
noticed the five letters. Turning to Count 
von Kaunitz, the Chancellor of the Realm, 
he asked their meaning. The latter ex- 



—95- 



FRANZ JOSEF 
plained the five letters as follows: 



A E I V 

Austria Erit In Orbe Vltima 



meaning that Austria would be the last of 
the empires. 

Talleyrand, it is said, offered this read- 
ing: 



A E I O V 

Alles Ernst 1st Oesterreich Verloren 



which meant that in all seriousness Aus- 
tria was doomed. 
Who knows? 



—96— 



(1)1 

King oftfohemia 

b. Aug. 1 

map 

Blizabel 

(b. Dec. % 



(1) GISD KARL 

Lrchduchess lustria 
yal Princess 'Hungarv 
& Bohia s y 
(b. Jul. 1^868) 
arried April;ank and 
eopold Duke 
;r 



a 
gary 



FBANZ II. 

Emperor of Austria 
b. Feb. 12, 1768— d. Mar. 2, 1835 



(1) FERDINAND I. (T) 

Emperor of Austria 

King of Hungary and Bohemia 

b. Apr. 19, 1793— d. June 29, 1875 

abdicated Dec. 2, 1848, in 

favor of Franz Josef 



(2) FRANZ KARL 

Archduke of Austria 

b. Dec. 7, 1802— d. Mar. 8, 1878 

married Not. 4, 1824 

Sophie Duchess of Bavaria 

(b. Jan. 27, 1805— d. Nov. 4, 1824) 



(1) FRANZ JOSEF I. 

Emperor of Austria 

King of Hungary and Bohemia 

b. Aug. 18, 1830— d. Nov. 21, 1916 

married April 24, 1854 

Elizabeth Duchess of Bavaria 

(b. Dec. 24, 1837— d. Sept. 10, 1898) 



(2) FERDINAND 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary & Bohemia 

b. Jul. 6, 1832 

on Apr. 10, 1864, becomes 

Maximilian Emperor of Mexico 

married July 27, 1857 

Marie-Charlotte Princess of Belgium 

(b. June 7, 1840) 

executed Jun. 19, 1867 



(3) KABL LUDWIO 

Archduke of Austria 

Roval Prince of Hungary & Bohemia 

(b. Jul. 30, 1833— d. May 19, 1896) 

married 

Nov. 4, 1856: Marguerite Princess of Saxony 

(b. May 24, 1840— d. Sept. 15, 1858) 
Oct. 21, 1862 : Annonciade Princess of Bourbon 

(b. Mar. 24, 1843— d. May 4, 1871) 
Jul. 23, 1873: Marie Therese Princess of Spain 
(b. Aug., 1855) 

children from second marriage: 



<4) LUDWIG VIKTOR 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary & Bohemia 

(b. May 15, 1842) 



(1) GISELA 

Archduchess of Austria 
Royal Princess of Hungary 
& Bohemia 
(b. Jul. 12, 1856) 
married April 20, 1873, to 
Leopold Duke of Bavaria 



(2) RUDOLF 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary & Bohemia 

Crown-Prince 

(b. Aug. 21, 1858— d. Jan. 30, 1889) 

married May 10, 1881 

Stephanie Princess of Belgium 

(b. May 21, 1864— remarried Mar. 20, 

1900, to Count Elemer von Lonyai) 



(3) MARIE VALERIE 

Archduchess of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary 

& Bohemia 

(b. Apr. 22, 1868) 

married Jul. 31, 1890, to 

Franz Salvator 

Archduke of Austria 



ELIZABETH 

Archduchess of Austria 

Royal Princess of Hungary & Bohemia 

(b. Sept. 2, 1883) 

married Jan. 23, 1902, to 

Otto Prince von Windisch-Graetz 



(1) FRANZ FERDINAND 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary & Bohemia 

Heir Apparent 

(b. Dec. 18, 1863— d. July 27, 1914) 

married Jul. 1, 1900 

Sophie Countess von Chotek 

(b. Mar. 1, 1868— d. Jul. 27, 1914) 

by Imperial edict of Aug. 8, 1900, 

elevated to the rank of 

Duchess von Hohenberg 



MAXIMILIAN 

Duke von Hohenberg 
(b. Sept. 29, 1902) 



(2) OTTO 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary 

& Bohemia 

(b. Apr. 21, 1865— d. Nov. 1, 1906) 

married Oct. 2, 1886 

Maria Josepha Princess of Saxony 

(b. May 31, 1867) 



1 I' 



(1) CHARLES I. 

Emperor of Austria 

King of Hungary and Bohemia 

(b. Aug. 17, 1887) 

succeeded to the throne 

upon the death of Franz Josef I. 

Nov. 21, 1916 

crowned King of Hungary 

Dec. 31, 1916 



(3) FERDINAND KARL 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary 

& Bohemia 

(b. Dec. 27, 1868) 

renounced his rank and 

married 

Marie Zuber 



(2) MAXIMILIAN 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary 

and Bohemia 

(b. Apr. 13, 1895) 



OTTO FRANZ JOSEF 

Archduke of Austria 

Royal Prince of Hungary and Bohemia 

Heir Apparent 

(b. Nov. 20, 1912) 






(the end) 



